Which reflector should I purchase?

[corinthiancharm]

1. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-Photography-Accessories-Collapsible-Reflector/dp/B00315B2JO/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t]Amazon.com: ePhoto Photography Studio Photo & Video Light Accessories 5 in 1 Collapsible Multi Photography Disc Studio Reflector 40" X 60" Oval By Ephoto INC REF4060: Camera & Photo[/ame]

2. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/DMKFoto-Studio-Reflector-Panel-40x60/dp/B001AWTLPW/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t]Amazon.com: DMKFoto Studio 5 in 1 Reflector Panel 40x60 inch: Camera & Photo[/ame]

3. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Profotoconnect-Photo-Basics-Collapsible-Reflector/dp/B001DSNN20/ref=pd_cp_p_3]Amazon.com: Profotoconnect RL Photo Basics Large Collapsible 5-in-1 40" X 66" Reflector: Camera & Photo[/ame]

I posted a thread a week or so ago asking for advice on reflectors. Since this will be my first reflector, and my budget isn't huge right now, I've decided to go with an oval/oblong for around $50... What I would like to know is, do any of these look okay/bad? Is there a particular brand that is better than the others?

Thanks in advance!

 

[j-digg]

All the reflectors in this price range seem to be pretty much the same stuff with a different label on them... Now, I dont actually have experience with different ones, so dont quote me on that.. but Ive looked at quite a few of them and just picked one out of the bunch. The main complaint with these is that the zipper gets "stuck" but just push the bracing of the reflector in to relieve pressure off of the zipper and then zip it up.

 

[KmH]

Yes, some brands are better than others. I've never heard of any of those brands.

I would suggest an online store that specializes in photography gear would be a better place to shap, and then compare if Amazon offers the same item for less. Like B&H Photo Video and Adoroama.

The reflectors from the more reputable names cost more, and for a reason.

Reflectors are one DIY photographic item that look, and work, just as well as store bought.

 

[ericonoahu]

The reflectors from the more reputable names cost more, and for a reason.

Reflectors are one DIY photographic item that look, and work, just as well as store bought.

I'd love to know what that reason is or if it is a good one. I bought a reflector for $30 from Amazon. This after pricing the "reputable names." Those cost $130 at a local shop. The only meaningful difference I could detect is that the $130 on doesn't have a zip-off sleeve that makes the reflector usable as a diffuser, white, block, gold, or silver and it does have a handle. Oh, and the expensive one is a little smaller.

Does it reflect light four times better? Dunno. Is it not made in China? Probably. Will it last four times longer? No saying...

Have you seen any plans you prefer and would like to share for the DIY project?